The Best Arizona Golf

This par-71, links-style course features spectacular views amid the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Dramatic elevation changes on the course can make play difficult for the high-handicapper. However, the Arizona Grand likely will provide a memorable experience for those looking to get away to a luxurious course and a resort with all the extras (spa, fine dining, water park, fitness center).

The Arizona Grand Resort
8000 S. Arizona Grand Parkway |
Phoenix, AZ 85044
(602) 438-9000
http://www.arizonagrandresort.com/

These courses offer classic Arizona golf with the picturesque desert as a backdrop. The golfer is rewarded by keeping the ball in the fairway; with few hazards fronting the majority of the greens, approach shots are relatively easy, and those wide greens hold shots well. The Radisson also offers a spa, an outdoor heated pool, a fitness center and a casino. The facility has two golf courses available to guests: the Cholla course was designed by Scott Miller and the Saguaro course was designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. The Saguaro was ranked as the 16th-best resort course by Golfweek Magazine for 2009.

Radisson Fort McDowell Resort and Casino
10438 North Fort McDowell Road
Scottsdale/Fountain Hills AZ 85264
(480) 789-5300
http://www.radissonfortmcdowellresort.com/

The Phoenecian has a golf academy with private and semiprivate lessons, as well as a 90-minute evaluation from one of the top teaching pros on staff. In addition, you can get a playing lesson and an evaluation at the Titleist Performance Institute. Composite courses are made of three nine-hole courses: the Desert, Oasis (closed through 2009 because of renovations) and the Canyon. The latter is a visual treat because of the array of colors ones sees when sunlight hits the canyon.

The Phoenecian
6000 East Camelback Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(866) 694-5910
http://www.thephoenician.com/